Gilani warns of government action in Swat

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, April 23 (UPI) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said Thursday the government will take action if peace is not maintained in the Swat valley.

Speaking after a Cabinet Division briefing in Islamabad, Gilani said if militant activity continues in Swat despite the implementation of Nizam-e-Adl regulations, the government would consider "other options," the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

"We have to ensure writ of the government," Gilani said. "We reserve the right to go for other options if Talibanization continues."

The prime minister said his federal government would discuss conditions in the Swat valley with local tribal leaders and cleric Sufi Mohammad to determine if peace has been established in the troubled area.

The Pakistan newspaper Dawn said Gilani also noted that parliamentary and provincial officials' stances must be honored.

"The federal government has to respect the mandate of the provincial government and the Parliament, which has passed the regulation to ensure that peace prevails in troubled Swat valley," Gilani said.